Quantcast

Travis J. Tritten

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis testifies at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, March 22, 2017.<br>Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes
Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis testifies at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, March 22, 2017.<br>Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes

Mattis urges Senate to approve $30 billion boost for military

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Wednesday went to the Senate to make the case for a boost in defense spending this year and met with skepticism from Democrats and indications of the tough political road ahead.

The exterior of the White House is shown in this undated photo.<br>Stars and Stripes
The exterior of the White House is shown in this undated photo.<br>Stars and Stripes

White House budget proposal cuts domestic spending, boosts military

The White House will release a budget blueprint Thursday that includes $603 billion for defense in 2018 as well as an additional $30 billion in defense spending this year, said Mick Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Maj. Gen. H. R. McMaster, Maneuver Center of Excellence commanding general, speaks during Vietnam: Valor and Sacrifice, a half-day symposium and dinner, featuring four Medal of Honor recipients, four former Vietnam-era prisoners of war and various guest speakers March 20 at the National Infantry Museum. <br>Patrick A. Albright/U.S. Army photo
Maj. Gen. H. R. McMaster, Maneuver Center of Excellence commanding general, speaks during Vietnam: Valor and Sacrifice, a half-day symposium and dinner, featuring four Medal of Honor recipients, four former Vietnam-era prisoners of war and various guest speakers March 20 at the National Infantry Museum. <br>Patrick A. Albright/U.S. Army photo

Senate vote allows McMaster to retain 3 stars as Trump adviser

The Senate voted Wednesday to allow Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster to stay on active duty and retain his three stars as national security adviser.

Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert B. Neller testifies during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the Marines United social media controversy, March 14, 2017 on Capitol Hill. With him are Acting Secretary of the Navy Sean J. Stackley and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Ronald L. Green.<br>Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes
Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert B. Neller testifies during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the Marines United social media controversy, March 14, 2017 on Capitol Hill. With him are Acting Secretary of the Navy Sean J. Stackley and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Ronald L. Green.<br>Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes

Senators skeptical of top Marine's vow to change service culture in wake of photo scandal

Democrats on the Senate Armed Services Committee told Gen. Robert Neller on Tuesday that they were skeptical of his promises to change the Marine Corps culture in the wake of a nude photo-sharing scandal.

Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed, D-R.I., talks with Gen. Joseph L. Votel, commander of U.S. Central Command, center, and Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, commander of U.S. Africa Command, before a hearing on Capitol Hill, March 9, 2017.<br>Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes
Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed, D-R.I., talks with Gen. Joseph L. Votel, commander of U.S. Central Command, center, and Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, commander of U.S. Africa Command, before a hearing on Capitol Hill, March 9, 2017.<br>Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes

Votel: More conventional forces could be used to stabilize Syria

The general in charge of U.S. Central Command said Thursday that more conventional military forces might be needed in Syria in the future for stability operations.

Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Ronald Green attends a House Committee on Appropriations subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, March 8, 2017. Green said the Marine Corps toned down its response to a nude photo-sharing scandal because in a previous scandal, a judge criticized former Commandant Gen. James Amos, now retired, for comments he made.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes
Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Ronald Green attends a House Committee on Appropriations subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, March 8, 2017. Green said the Marine Corps toned down its response to a nude photo-sharing scandal because in a previous scandal, a judge criticized former Commandant Gen. James Amos, now retired, for comments he made.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes

Marine Corps defends subdued response to nude photo scandal

The sergeant major of the Marine Corps said Wednesday that the service has toned down its response to a nude photo-sharing scandal because it could impede an investigation and prosecution.

Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster speaks at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, R.I., in March 2016. <br>James E. Foehl/U.S. Navy
Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster speaks at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, R.I., in March 2016. <br>James E. Foehl/U.S. Navy

Senate panel gives nod to McMaster's 3-star status

The Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday recommended that White House National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster should be allowed to continue serving in the position as an active-duty, three-star general.

Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind.<br>
Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind.<br>

Senate Marine veteran pushes new war authorization

A Marine veteran newly elected to the Senate is hoping to reignite calls for Congress to pass its first new war authorization of U.S. military operations in Iraq, Syria and elsewhere since 2002.

A civilian firefighter with the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department works the nozzle of a ladder truck hose to spray foam on Sept. 16, 2013, at Dover Air Force Base, Del.<br>Greg L. Davis/U.S. Air Force
A civilian firefighter with the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department works the nozzle of a ladder truck hose to spray foam on Sept. 16, 2013, at Dover Air Force Base, Del.<br>Greg L. Davis/U.S. Air Force

House bill requires Pentagon report on firefighting foam pollution at bases

A House budget bill unveiled this week requires the Defense Department to submit a report to Congress on how potentially dangerous firefighting foam has affected drinking water around its former and current military bases.

President Donald Trump speaks abroad the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford at Newport News Shipbuilding Thursday afternoon March 2, 2017.<br>Jonathon Gruenke, Newport News Daily Press/TNS
President Donald Trump speaks abroad the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford at Newport News Shipbuilding Thursday afternoon March 2, 2017.<br>Jonathon Gruenke, Newport News Daily Press/TNS

Aboard carrier, Trump touts plans for big Navy fleet

President Donald Trump said Thursday he spoke with the Navy and shipbuilding industry about a major expansion of the U.S. fleet as he pushes ahead with a proposed boost to defense spending.

U.S. President Donald J. Trump delivers his first address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017 at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. <br>Olivier Douliery, Abaca Press/TNS
U.S. President Donald J. Trump delivers his first address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017 at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. <br>Olivier Douliery, Abaca Press/TNS

ANALYSIS

Trump touts increased military spending but some lawmakers call for more

In his first address to Congress, President Donald Trump on Tuesday touted his plans to build up the military with more spending, a promise he has pursued since his campaign.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, and Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, are pushing for a $640-billion base defense budget.<br>Stars and Stripes photos
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, and Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, are pushing for a $640-billion base defense budget.<br>Stars and Stripes photos

McCain, Thornberry: Trump's proposed defense spending hike isn't enough

The Republican chairmen of the Senate and House armed services committees said Monday that President Donald Trump’s proposal to boost defense spending by $54 billion for fiscal year 2018 is not enough.

Paul Rieckhoff, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. <br>Nikki Wentling/Stars and Stripes
Paul Rieckhoff, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. <br>Nikki Wentling/Stars and Stripes

Rieckhoff denies claims IAVA misused grants

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America founder and CEO Paul Rieckhoff has denied allegations that he had pressured the staff to misuse grant money and mislead donors.

In a 2010 file photo, Under Secretary of Defense Comptroller Robert Hale takes part in a press conference.<br>Cherie Cullen/DOD
In a 2010 file photo, Under Secretary of Defense Comptroller Robert Hale takes part in a press conference.<br>Cherie Cullen/DOD

Former DOD comptroller: Be skeptical of military claims of readiness crisis

A former Defense Department comptroller said Tuesday the public should be skeptical of the dire warnings of a readiness crisis coming from the military this year.

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas.<br>Stars and Stripes
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas.<br>Stars and Stripes

Thornberry: US unlikely to send large ground force to Syria

The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee said Thursday that he doubts the United States will send a large-scale ground force to fight in the Syrian war after reports the Pentagon might consider the option.

Retired Marine Maj. Fred Galvin speaks during a briefing on Capitol Hill at the House Cannon building on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017. Galvin was the commander of the Marine Corps' first-ever special operations unit, which deployed to Afghanistan in February 2007 and was accused of firing indiscriminately after a car bomb attack on March 4. Looking on are Congressman Walter Jones Jr., R-N.C., left, and Retired Marine Col. Steve Morgan, who was one of the three officers on the Marine jury that exonerated Galvin's unit.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes
Retired Marine Maj. Fred Galvin speaks during a briefing on Capitol Hill at the House Cannon building on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017. Galvin was the commander of the Marine Corps' first-ever special operations unit, which deployed to Afghanistan in February 2007 and was accused of firing indiscriminately after a car bomb attack on March 4. Looking on are Congressman Walter Jones Jr., R-N.C., left, and Retired Marine Col. Steve Morgan, who was one of the three officers on the Marine jury that exonerated Galvin's unit.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes

Lawmakers urge Marines to clear platoon exonerated of killing Afghans

House lawmakers on Thursday urged the Marine Corps to publicly clear the names of 30 special operators dogged by false claims that they indiscriminately killed Afghan civilians a decade ago.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., is interviewed at the U.S. Capitol, Feb. 15, 2017.<br>Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., is interviewed at the U.S. Capitol, Feb. 15, 2017.<br>Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes

McCain: Russian missiles, military moves testing Trump

Russia is testing President Donald Trump with its treaty-busting deployment of cruise missiles and other recent military provocations, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said Wednesday.

In this image made from a video taken on Dec. 10, 2015 and made available on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, US President Donald Trump's former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, right, shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in Moscow. Flynn, who resigned following reports that he misled White House officials about his contacts with Russia, was seen attending the 10th anniversary of the Russian television network RT in 2015 where Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a speech. A US official has told The Associated Press that Flynn was in frequent contact with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak on the day the Obama administration imposed sanctions on Russia after US intelligence reported that Russia had interfered with the US elections. <br>Ruptly via AP
In this image made from a video taken on Dec. 10, 2015 and made available on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, US President Donald Trump's former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, right, shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in Moscow. Flynn, who resigned following reports that he misled White House officials about his contacts with Russia, was seen attending the 10th anniversary of the Russian television network RT in 2015 where Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a speech. A US official has told The Associated Press that Flynn was in frequent contact with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak on the day the Obama administration imposed sanctions on Russia after US intelligence reported that Russia had interfered with the US elections. <br>Ruptly via AP

Republicans join renewed calls for probe after Flynn resigns

Top Senate Republicans on Tuesday joined a renewed call by Democrats on Capitol Hill for a full investigation of the Trump administration’s ties to Russia following the resignation of National Security Adviser Mike Flynn.

Then-U.S. Air Force General Philip M. Breedlove, outgoing commander, United States European Command (EUCOM) and NATO Supreme Allied Commander addresses the audience at the EUCOM Change of Command, 3 May, 2016.<br>Eric Steen/U.S. Army
Then-U.S. Air Force General Philip M. Breedlove, outgoing commander, United States European Command (EUCOM) and NATO Supreme Allied Commander addresses the audience at the EUCOM Change of Command, 3 May, 2016.<br>Eric Steen/U.S. Army

Former NATO general warns against Russia partnership in Syria

The former U.S. supreme allied commander of NATO said Thursday that Russia has little interest in fighting the Islamic State group and the United States should be wary of partnering with the country in war-torn Syria.

Department of the Air Force employee Robert Wurster, a 354th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment technician, inspects a MJ-1 bomb lift Dec. 5, 2016, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. <br>Eric M. Fisher/U.S. Air Force
Department of the Air Force employee Robert Wurster, a 354th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment technician, inspects a MJ-1 bomb lift Dec. 5, 2016, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. <br>Eric M. Fisher/U.S. Air Force

Military: Maintenance workers getting waivers to Trump hiring freeze

The military is keeping work going at its depots and shipyards by giving needed maintenance employees waivers to President Donald Trump’s federal hiring freeze, the services’ four vice chiefs said Wednesday.

From left: Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. William F. Moran, Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Stephen W. Wilson and Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Glenn M. Walters prepare to testify before the House Armed Services Committee, Feb. 7, 2017, on Capitol Hill.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes
From left: Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. William F. Moran, Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Stephen W. Wilson and Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Glenn M. Walters prepare to testify before the House Armed Services Committee, Feb. 7, 2017, on Capitol Hill.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes

House looks to rebuild as military warns of shortfalls

The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee said Tuesday that a new Congress and president could begin repairing the military this year as uniformed leaders again painted a grim picture of depleted forces.